The Community Investment Board (CIB) is preparing to launch Round 3 of the Community Investment Fund on Monday 1 December 2025. This next round will continue to empower local people and organisations to deliver projects that make a real difference across Southend.

The Community Investment Fund has already had a strong impact, with over £238,000 awarded in Round 1 to support 17 local projects. These initiatives have helped improve wellbeing, create opportunities, strengthen communities, and tackle inequality and poverty across the city. Funding for Round 2 has also recently commenced with a further £200,000 awarded to 17 projects in the community.

Round 3 will once again invite applications that align with the fund’s four key themes:

• Thriving Communities
• Wellbeing for All
• Tackling Inequity & Poverty
• Opportunity for All

Funding will be open to charities, CICs, and constituted community groups looking to deliver positive change in Southend.

To help prospective applicants prepare, a short Meet the Funder event will be held on launch day, providing a quick overview of the fund and how to apply. For more information, visit: https://www.savs-southend.org/event/meet-the-funder-community-investment-board-round-3/

Funding information will be made live on Monday 1^st December on the Available Investments page of the CIB website: Available Investments – Community Investment Board